Two Penn State University fraternities are at the center of a cocaine trafficking bust, which led to charges against 14 people, authorities announced Monday. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the cocaine was cut and packaged primarily at Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses before being distributed, primarily to other Penn State students. The attorney general’s office alleged that two former students, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, were the main suppliers, making regular trips from Philadelphia and New York to purchase “large quantities” of cocaine. approximately between 2023 and 2024, prosecutors said. The 14th defendant, a father of a student, is accused of attempting to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation. “This was a coordinated and highly profitable drug trafficking group that revolved around two high-ranking members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers and pledges,” state Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a news release. “In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some participants, indoctrination into fraternities.” In a statement, Penn State said Delta Upsilon will be provisionally suspended. Penn State said it does not recognize Sigma Chi as an organization and that it operates outside the university’s oversight. Michael Church, executive director of Sigma Chi, said in a statement that the conduct “is an egregious violation of our values” and the three accused members have been suspended. He added that the chapter was also placed on provisional suspension. Agostino Abbatiello, Thomas Robinson, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat face several felony charges, including corrupt organizations, conspiracy and trafficking in proceeds of illicit activities. Robert Zanolla is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility. Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman are charged with misdemeanors. Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension for attempting to conceal evidence. More from CBS News at:
